Craig Revel Horwood apologises for controversial rape comments

Craig Revel Horwood has been forced to apologise after public outcry over his recent appearance on Channel 4’s 8 Out of 10 Cats, during which he admitted that he “likes” watching televised rape scenes.

During the show, the 51-year-old was asked by Jimmy Carr whether he was a fan of HBO’s Game of Thrones – a show which has, in the past, been criticised by its use of nudity and violence.

“No,” said Horwood. “I persevered for the first series until the dragon came on and that’s when I switched off.

“[But] I liked all the sex scenes and the rape and I liked the cleavers through the skulls and I liked all of that, but I got very bored in the end.”

While the studio audience nervously tittered at Horwood’s comments, Aisling Bea, who was on the Strictly judge’s team, reacted in horror at his rape comment.

When Horwood went on to add that he had become bored by the series, the Irish actor snapped: “What? When they weren’t raping anyone?”

Bea continued to direct her comments at the audience, with the 32-year-old asking them: “Am I the only one who heard that? What world are we living in? Oh, yes, Trump’s world. Fine, carry on.”

Comedian Katherine Ryan, who was also appearing on the show, also looked to be deeply troubled by Horwood’s comments.

Watch the controversial moment for yourself below:

Marilyn Hawes, the founder of Enough Abuse UK, has called upon the BBC to sack Horwood after his horrifying remarks.

Speaking in a statement on behalf of the charity, she said: “Craig's comments are deeply disrespectful. Rape is the most devastating and vile crime and I would have to question him as a person and his merit as a judge on the Strictly Come Dancing panel, which is a family show.

“His comment would have enraged many women and men who have been raped. How could he say he liked that scene? I'm absolutely disgusted.”

Topics

Share this article

Author

Kayleigh Dray

Kayleigh Dray is editor of Stylist.co.uk, where she chases after rogue apostrophes and specialises in films, comic books, feminism and television. On a weekend, you can usually find her drinking copious amounts of tea and playing boardgames with her friends.